Cornwall is jam-packed with beautiful places to visit, from unique buildings and ancient sites to the sweeping coastline that is a destination sensation in its own right, thanks to its granite cliffs and golden beaches. And while these hotspots paint a captivating picture in the day, it’s the sunsets that really steal the show.
Of course, while sunsets everywhere are worth some ‘Oooos’ and ‘Ahhhs’, in Cornwall, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful foregrounds, with historic structures and dramatic cliffs adding a little extra spice to your feast for the senses.
So, whether you’re looking for the best beach to watch the sunset or a clifftop setting that boasts sunsets and dark skies in equal measure, here’s everything you need to know about watching sunsets in Cornwall to get your evening adventures started…
Where is the best place to watch the sunset in Cornwall?
Although there are many beautiful places to watch the sun make its fiery descent, the best area in Cornwall to watch a sunset is the north coast. Running from the drama of Land’s End to the rugged charms of Bude, this stretch of coast boasts uninterrupted views across the sea, inviting you to capture the perfect moment of coastal beauty.
When is the best time of year to watch the sunset in Cornwall?
It goes without saying that you can catch a spectacular sunset in Cornwall at any time of year. But, if you’re looking for the settings to be maxed out, autumn is the perfect time to chase sunsets as the air is clearer and the sun is lower in the sky, creating breathtaking views. It’s also one of the best times of year to go stargazing, so why not pack a blanket and a picnic and enjoy an evening beneath an ever-changing sky?
Godrevy Beach, Gwithian
A beautiful backdrop at any time of day, Godrevy Beach and its famous lighthouse are instantly recognisable - and for good reason. The historic lighthouse cuts quite the impressive figure when storms roll in, battering the surrounding rocks and showering the 19th-century structure with wave after crashing wave. Storm-watching might be a treat reserved for the winter months, but catching the sunset is a daily delight, and what a delight it is. Grab a hot chocolate from the nearby café or coffee van and head up to the headland overlooking the beach for a truly exceptional display, made all the more dramatic by the lighthouse’s silhouette.
Minack Theatre, Porthcurno
Cornwall is home to many theatres, but none quite compare to the clifftop setting of the Minack. Carved into the granite cliffs, and with incredible views across Porthcurno Beach and the coastline beyond, it will be of little surprise that this iconic landmark is amongst the best places to see a sunset in Cornwall. The best part? You get to enjoy a superb show at the same time! We recommend packing a blanket, cushion (trust us), and a picnic to enjoy this exceptionally unusual experience in style. And not forgetting a camera so you can capture the sun as it sets before you.
St Michael’s Mount, Marazion
If you’re looking for the best sunset spot in Cornwall for a jaw-dropping photograph, you really can’t beat Marazion and the surrounding coastline. Or, to be more specific, Marazion Beach and the ever-iconic St Michael’s Mount. Oh yes, this famous water-locked castle, which is connected to the land via a causeway that appears from the retreating tide twice a day, is a favourite amongst photographers. Blood moons, starry skies, and yes, sunsets, have all been captured rising above the dramatic mount, forming storybook shots that need to be seen to be believed. Check out our webcam for a sneak peek of the mount’s incredible setting!
Wheal Coates and Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes
If you’re staying in St Agnes on Cornwall’s north coast, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to sunset spots. Trevaunace Cove, a beautiful beach framed by dramatic cliffs, is always a popular spot for a picnic lit by the setting sun. Or, you can take your adventure to the cliffs and experience the firelit sky with the incredible Wheal Coates engine house as your foreground. Whichever you choose, make sure to stop by Schooners for a glass of something refreshing and a wood-fired pizza afterwards.
Porthmeor Beach, St Ives
If you’re looking for an uninterrupted view of a Cornish sunset, Porthmeor Beach in St Ives is the one for you. In the day, the beach is a merry mix of turquoise waters, white sands, and the ever-impressive backdrop of the Tate St Ives. However, as the sun starts to make its slow descent towards the horizon, the beautiful beach is cast in a fiery glow, which you can enjoy from the sun-warmed sands or Porthmeor Beach Café if you fancy a delicious meal alongside your sunset. You can also climb to the top of The Island, the small headland that rises beside Porthmeor, for panoramic views of the coast as it’s coated in golden hues.
Perranporth Beach
What could be better than enjoying a refreshing pint at the UK’s only bar on a beach while watching the sun paint the sky in burnished hues? If the answer is nothing, then Perranporth might just be the place for you. Oh yes, dog-friendly throughout the year and boasting the fantastically placed Watering Hole, Perranporth Beach has to be one of the best places in Cornwall to watch the sunset. During the day, there’s a bustling atmosphere with surfers gathering to make the most of the Atlantic swell, while dusk invites you to settle in the spectacular beer (or should we say, beach) garden to soak up your surroundings as you sink a Cornish cider or two.
Bedruthan Steps, Mawgan Porth
Cornwall is full to the brim with beautiful coastal walks, but the stretch between Porthcothan and Mawgan Porth is hard to beat. Famed for its fascinating rock stacks that tower above the beach, Bedruthan Steps has long been a favourite spot for photographers. Looking for a real show? Visit when the sun dips beneath the water and the already dramatic beach blazes with scorched light. You can also stay a little longer as the sky fades to black and stars start to appear, as Bedruthan Steps is also a popular stargazing spot - yep, this north Cornish beach really does do it all!
Kynance Cove, Lizard Peninsula
Kynance Cove often finds itself on the world’s wanderlists thanks to its serpentine rocks, azure waters, and white sands - not to mention countless film and TV appearances. The cliffs and rock formations here are truly one-of-a-kind, creating a jaw-dropping foreground to the sunsets that cover the coast in scarlet waves. We recommend viewing the evening showdown from the cliffs, where grassy areas make for a perfect picnic spot. The Lizard Peninsula is home to a fantastic selection of walks, so why not fill your day with a coastal stomp that ends at Kynance for the sky’s grand reveal?
Sennen Cove and Land’s End
A beautiful beach at any time of day (or year, for that matter), Sennen Cove is a must-visit when staying in Cornwall. Not only is it an award-winning beach that frequently wows visitors with its clean sands and well-placed showers, but the surf is excellent throughout the year, making it very popular with surfers and sun-worshippers alike. Of course, when the wetsuits have been packed away and jumpers have been pulled over salt-ruffled heads, this beloved beach turns into a spectacle of colours as the sun sinks beneath the wave-topped horizon. For the best view, take a seat on the balcony of the Old Success Inn and enjoy the show with a drink in hand, or head up to Land's End to see the most south-westerly sunset in the UK!
Polzeath Beach
Another beach that’s hard to beat, Polzeath is a surfer and sunset paradise. The large, sandy beach is ideal for families, offering plenty of space for running around and enjoying sandcastle competitions. When the sun sets, you’re treated to a mesmeric display of red and indigo skies above the sprawling beach, the perfect end to any beach day. When the tide is out, the undulating rivulets of the beach make for a beautiful foreground for all the photographers out there, or you can simply sit back and take it all in from the comfort of your picnic blanket.
Tintagel Castle
Ok, if you’re looking for a dramatic setting for your Cornish sunset, Tintagel Castle in North Cornwall is a fantastical must. The craggy ruins and breathtaking bridge combine to create an otherworldly foreground, not to mention the rugged cliffs that line the coast. Looking out over the striking scenes, it’s easy to see how this corner of Cornwall sparked legendary stories of kings, wizards, and magic.
Holywell Bay, nr Newquay
A beach so striking it has featured in many films and TV shows over the years (including Poldark and House of the Dragon), Holywell Bay is a masterclass in natural beauty. The famous Gull Rocks steal the show, providing the perfect foreground to the spectacular sunset, while the sand dunes offer a wildly beautiful setting for a golden hour picnic. Holywell Bay is dog-friendly throughout the year, so the whole pack can enjoy the sinking sun at the end of a magical beach day.
Ready to capture Cornwall’s many sunsets? Explore our collection of beautiful holiday cottages, many with spectacular views of their own, and start planning the ultimate Cornish experience.